NRA, Koch-funded group helping Pat Roberts' Senate campaign

First it was a series of GOP luminaries who came to Kansas to campaign with Sen. Pat Roberts, who is struggling this fall to win a fourth Senate term.

Sarah Palin. Bob Dole. John McCain. Jeb Bush. Paul Ryan. Rand Paul. All have already visited the state or plan to soon.

On Thursday came the news that the next wave is approaching. A series of outside conservative groups are wading into the race to give Roberts a boost.

The Washington Post reported that the National Rifle Association’s Political Victory Fund is launching a campaign on Roberts’ behalf that will include TV commercials, online spots and mail pieces.

“The NRA is committed to ensuring that Kansas voters know Pat Roberts is the only candidate in this race who will protect their Second Amendment rights,” said NRA-PVF Chairman Chris W. Cox in a statement.

Freedom Partners Action Fund, a group backed by the Koch brothers, has already bought more than $200,000 worth of TV time for the first week of October.

FEC records filed Thursday show the American Chemistry Council bought more than $165,000 for radio ads supporting Roberts.